DescriptionHynobius fuca is a relatively short and robust salamander. Adult body size (SVL) varies from 48.1 to 54.8 mm. This species has a thick short tail, ranging from 26.0-34.0 mm, which gives it the lowest tail length ratio of any Taiwanese species. The tail tip is laterally flattened. Head and body roughly form a cylindrical shape. Eyes are protuberant.

Vomerine teeth are V-shaped and occur in two patches, with a total number ranging from 53-79. Upper jaw teeth range in number from 40-61 and lower jaw teeth number 45-57. There are usually 11 costal grooves, sometimes 12. Forelimbs and hindlimbs both have four toes. Limbs are short relative to trunk, with two costal grooves between adpressed limbs. Feet are small, but digits are well formed and without any webbing.

Dorsally the body is dark brown, fading towards a lighter brown on the ventral side. On the head white markings are present around the eyes especially on upper eyelids; larger markings occur on the tail. Laterally, the body, head and tail are marked with numerous speckles, with the speckles diminishing in number towards the dorsum. Individuals vary in the amount of white speckling.

Hynobius fuca is found in the central and northern part of the Syueshan Mountains Range at 1300-1720 m above sea level. It lives on shady moist forest floor of coniferous forest, along mountain streams, and under the cover of rotting wood or rocks.

Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special BehaviorsThis species is known from only 4 locations, and does not appear abundant. Individuals appear to be sparsely distributed, and are apparently not sympatric with any other species of salamanders.

CommentsThe specific name fuca is derived from the Latin "fucus" meaning dark color.